Heddon Museum

Learn about James Heddon’s Sons fishing tackle company at this small museum dedicated to its history in Dowagiac. James Heddon founded the company in 1902, and it went on to become one of the most successful fishing tackle companies in the United States. The museum's exhibits focus on the history of the company and its products, including fishing lures, rods, reels, and other tackles. Several of those lures are even vintage and highly sought after by collectors! Some displays also detail the innovations that made Heddon's lures so popular. One of the most popular exhibits at the Heddon Museum is the recreated workshop, which features tools and equipment used in the manufacturing of fishing lures, as well as displays of the different techniques used to create different types of lures by hand. You won’t believe how much intricate design and craftsmanship went into each one.